6 Ways to Sculpt A Six-Pack During Any Outdoor Workout

Getting great-looking and hard-working abs doesn't require a machine, a mat, or a boutique fitness class. In fact, you can (and should!) do abs exercises after a hike, outdoor run, or during your favorite workout you do outside the gym.

Adding these six multi-directional moves to your next outdoor workout will not only keep your abs looking impressive but will help strengthen surrounding areas, too: your hips, spine, and pelvis.

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Do these exercises two to three times every week, either completed all together or intermittently throughout an outdoor run or hike. When completing them all together, allow 15 seconds of rest in between each exercise.

1. Knee Tuck

Holly Perkins

Place your hands on an elevated surface like a low wall or park bench so that your palms are directly below your shoulders. Step your feet back and together so that you are in a straight line from ears to ankles. Draw your abs in and brace, allowing a natural curve in your lower back. Draw inward through your torso and pull your left knee forward into a tuck. Allow your lower back to round upward slightly. Pause for a beat and deeply contract your ab muscles. That's one rep. Step back with your left foot and complete the move on your right foot. Continue alternating legs for a total of 40 reps.

2. Seated Crunch

Holly Perkins

Sit on a bench or low wall and place your hands directly next to your hips. Extend your legs forward with feet together and knees bent slightly. Lean back with your upper body to counter balance and lift both legs using your ab muscles. Pull your knees in towards your chest and keep a long spine. That's one rep. Release both legs back to the starting position, and immediately repeat. Complete 20 reps.

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3. Side-Plank Knee Crunch

Holly Perkins

Using a bench or low wall, place your left hand directly below your left shoulder and step into a side-angled plank. With your right hand at your head and your feet together, ensure a straight line from your ankles to your ears. Keep your left leg firm and long, and pull your right knee upward toward your right elbow. That's one rep. Step back to the starting position and immediately repeat for 15 reps. Switch sides and complete the same with the other leg.

10 plank variations that'll help you mix up your workout routine:

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4. Leaning Crossover

Holly Perkins

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Using a park bench or low wall, sit on the front edge so that you can lean backward and extend your legs. Reach your arms over your head and keep your feet together. Use your core muscles to hold the leaning angle, then bring your right hand and left toe together. That's one rep. Release back to start and immediately complete the move on the other side. Continue alternating sides for a total of 30 reps. (Kick-start your new, healthy routine with Women's Health's 12-Week Total-Body Transformation!)

5. Straight-Leg Reach

Holly Perkins

Find some grass and begin on your back with your legs stretched out and your arms reaching over your head. While exhaling, lift both legs upward and reach your hands to touch your shins or ankles. Move both upper and lower body in one swift move, lifting your chest upwards toward the sky. Focus on lifting up off of the grass to raise your shoulders as high as possible. That's one rep. Inhale as you release back down to the starting position. Repeat for a total of 30 reps.

6. Straight-Leg Oblique

Holly Perkins

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Lie on the grass with your right knee bent and left leg stretched out straight. Place both hands at your head. Draw inward and contract the muscles of your core to bring your left leg and right elbow together at the knee. Focus on lifting your shoulders off the ground, while you simultaneously twist your torso to the left. That's one rep. Release back to the starting position and repeat for a total of 20 reps on this leg. Switch sides and complete the same on the other leg for another 20 reps.

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